Suggest One Please

This is a discussion on Suggest One Please within the Defensive Rifles & Shotgun Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; Given all the hubbub-hubris lately, over all the menacing threats of any new WB Laws being enacted into law.
Would you suggest getting a pump ...

Everyone who owns guns should have a social shotgun, regardless of the political climate. Budget plays a role in this decision. (*All following comments are, of course, IMHO.) I prefer pump shotguns for their ammo versatility & robust nature. There are only two variants of defensive pump shotguns; the Mossberg 590A1 & the Remington 870 Police Magnum. I lean toward the 870 for purely subjective reasons.

Please remember, you've got better odds facing a world-class shotgun in the hands of a moderately-skilled shooter...than the other way around.

Most will tell you a pump 12 gauge is the way to go. I'm also fond of the Remington 870, as it's easy to use, easy to change barrels if you want to use it for hunting when not defending your castle. I have a couple, and I also have a NEA Pardner 12 gauge pump (870 clone) that I leave out in the house for self defense purposes. Store it with the magazine loaded, and the chamber empty. Nothing says "stay the hell out of my house" better than the racking of a 12 gauge shotgun.

Because I really like shotguns, I also have a couple of semi-automatic versions, made by Benelli, and IMHO, you can't find a better shotgun on the planet. I know that will draw heat, but again, it's my opinion. LOL

One is the Benelli M3 Super 90, which is both, a pump and a semi-automatic shotgun. This is a tactical shotgun, designed to handle low power ammo, like tear gas, rubber bullets etc, as well as full power rounds. It's a lot of fun, very capable gun, but it sure isn't cheap. The other Benelli is a hunting shotgun, with the long barrel. Great for doves, quail, ducks, etc...

I would say a pump. Depending what you want, hunting or tactical, and how much you want to spend. For tactical you can spend from $199.99 AIT (china) to $245.99 (new stevens/savage) to somewhere between $500.00-$600 (Benellie) to $1000.00. Oops forgot the 870 versions and 500 versions don't want to forget them either. There are just a lot of choices out there. Good luck in your search

I'm going against the flow on this one. If you aren't well versed in the art of shotguns, then I would suggest a semi auto.

Most people arent that fluid with a pump and in a stress situation, short stroking is not uncommon. When you have a gazillion things going through your brain at the speed of light when you realize that you may actually have to KILL someone, the last thing you want to do is short stroke your pump and not be able to fire another shot if you need it.

With the semi-auto, it isn't an issue and firing 2,3 or 5 shots as fast as you can pull the trigger isnt a porblem.